A BRONX TALE is a gangster story set in New York of the 1960s, produced and directed by Robert De Niro and adapted from a play by co-star Chazz Palmentiri. It's a film I'd vaguely heard of but never actually watched until now, despite being a massive fan - as are most people - of the gangster collaborations between Martin Scorsese and De Niro. It's a shame that this film is forgotten in comparison to GOODFELLAS and CASINO, because it's very nearly on the same level as those classics. It boasts excellent photography throughout, a great recreation of the era, a wonderful soundtrack, and superb, multi-layered performances from the entire cast. De Niro excels as a straight guy for once but this is Palmentiri's film and he runs away with it. The story is both moving and sensitive, a forthright coming-of-age drama with a few moments of violence, but at its heart this is about father/son relationships and the trials of growing up and doing the right thing. Excellent stuff.

It's 1960 Bronx. Lorenzo Anello (Robert De Niro) is an earnest bus driver. He and his wife Rosina are raising their nine year old son Calogero who is fascinated with local mobsters led by Sonny LoSpecchio (Chazz Palminteri). One day, Calogero witnesses Sonny shoot another man on the streets but he refuses to rat him out to the cops. Sonny tries to take Calogero under his wings which Lorenzo rejects immediately. Eight years later, Calogero has become Sonny's protégé. Sonny has climbed higher in the mob. Despite racial hatred of the time, Calogero is taken with a black girl named Jane Williams.

This is a great gangster movie directed by first timer Robert De Niro. It covers so much that I almost want it to be a two-parter. The first 45 minutes is amazing. The tug-a-war between the two father figures is amazing. Robert De Niro as a straight earnest guy is amazing. The confrontation scene between De Niro and Palminteri is amazing. The second half isn't too shabby either. The addition of the racial aspect brings something more to the gangster film genre. So much of this is amazing.

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadger

First off, A Bronx Tale tries to cover a lot from: racial conflict, family drama, first love, the lure of the gangster life, to the joys and tribulation of coming of age in a kinder, gentler New York and it hits all of those key areas. The story is genuine, the dialogue is fluent, and the characters are well thought out.

The acting is great. Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra, and Taral Hicks all perform well. I would have like more scenes with Robert De Niro only because he brings such power a vigor to the scene. The cameo by Joe Pesci is also great.

The pacing is a little slow but it is done in a way that makes us connect with the characters and the world in the film. The runtime is a bit overlong as well.

Pros: Complex story, fluent dialogue, great acting, Joe Pesci cameo, and well thought out characters

Cons: Some slow pacing, an overlong runtime, and I wish there were more scenes with Robert De Niro

Overall Rating: 8.4

P.S. This film belongs among the ranks of the greatest gangster films of all time such as: The Godfather Part 1 and 2, Casino, Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, and Gangs of New York.